I wanted to share a movie review with you all for The Sheep Detectives, which arrived in theaters in May and on Amazon Prime Video on June 24, 2026.
I streamed this movie for free last week through my Prime account, and days after seeing it, various themes from the story are still on my heart, and I wanted to share those thoughts with you all...
Movie Review - The Sheep Detectives:
First of all, this movie is labeled as a PG-rated family-friendly mystery – although I want to caution that this is a murder mystery. It’s not graphic by any means (think your standard Hallmark or Great American Family mystery), but younger children may become emotionally attached to the character who is killed and could be troubled by the loss.
To be completely honest, even though it happens fairly early in the story, I was already attached to this character, too!
In the beginning of the movie, we are introduced to George Hardy (Hugh Jackman), a devoted shepherd who takes good care of his sheep each day and even names each one. At the end of the day, the sheep gather around George as he reads murder mysteries aloud to them... and, to his surprise, they seem genuinely interested in the stories.
At first, George thinks it might be silly, but his sheep are essentially his family, and he enjoys caring for them and making them happy. There are constant themes in the movie taken from Christianity, as the Good Shepherd (God) also cares intimately for his sheep.
I also want to note that the sheep in this movie do talk to each other (which is very cute!), but they don't speak to humans. Of course, that element is something that will appeal to children, but I want to caution that due to some of the violence and sadness, this is not a movie, in my opinion, for really young viewers.
However, I want you to be aware that there are a few religious misinterpretations in this film, as well. At one point, the sheep misunderstand the meaning of communion and remark, “Poor God,” thinking that he turns into bread and is actually eaten. The sheep are also confused about the afterlife, believing that when they die, they turn into clouds. While the idea is presented in a somewhat innocent and sweet way, it is certainly a misconception. Thankfully, the truth is clarified later in the movie.
On a positive spiritual note, there are also beautiful parallels to the lost sheep. At one point, George discovers a sheep being mistreated and pays to rescue it and bring it home, which symbolizes Jesus' payment for our debts. George is also shown carrying that sheep in the very same way Jesus is often depicted carrying a sheep on his shoulders.
(SPOILER)
Later, this same sheep gives his life to save others, which was such a touching and truly unexpected, heartbreaking scene that brought tears to my eyes; it was another powerful parallel to the Lamb of God who gave his life on the cross to save the lost.
(End of SPOILER)
Other Movie Themes:
Along with the intrigue of the mystery, which is interesting to try to solve, there’s also a lot of heart and humor in this movie. I really enjoyed Lily, the main female sheep character, who is smart, gentle, soft-spoken, tender-hearted, and wonderfully clever at solving mysteries. She quickly became one of my favorites!
The police officer is also a lot of fun to watch. He is a novice when it comes to crime-solving, but with a little help from the sheep, he slowly begins piecing together the clues and unraveling the mystery.
Of course, watching talking sheep assist with a murder investigation makes for some very unique, and often quite funny, detective work!
Language:
When three of the lead sheep - Sebastian, Lily, & Mopple - are walking into town for the first time, they pass the church – where Sebastian says God lives. This is also when Sebastian discusses God as a shepherd and a lamb, and he mentions that God d*mns things, but Lily and Mopple mistake that word for Beavers damming things. I don’t recall any other language in the movie besides this.
Final Thoughts:
It is definitely a movie I would encourage parents to preview before watching with children, especially because of the murder and the emotional weight of the story. But for older children and families who enjoy a unique mystery with plenty of heart, this is one that may give you quite a bit to talk about afterward. You may want to discuss the various faith elements in the film and how we are all lost sheep in need of our Savior, the Good Shepherd.
Overall, this movie is heartwarming, funny, and sweet. In the end, it has positive messages about loving those around you, even those who don’t exactly fit in. The baby winter lamb truly stole my heart, and I’m certain he’ll steal yours, too!
Where to watch:
I streamed this movie free with Amazon Prime. If you have a Prime account, *click here* to see if you can stream free, as well.
Or, *click here* for streaming price options for non-Prime members.
The Sheep Detectives is also available to order on DVD and Blu-ray.
Have you had the opportunity to see The Sheep Detectives? If you have, I would love to hear your take on it in the comments below.
Happy Movie Watching,
Net
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,
and they follow me" ~John 10:27
